When property developer Jamie is given the task of removing a group of tenants from a building his boss wants to redevelop he knows it won't be the easiest of tasks
the last person given the job quit and emigrated to New Zealand! These aren't ordinary tenants; they are a group that all dress in black and many believe is actually a cult; even the locals who seem rather feral give them a wide birth. As expected they rebuff Jamie's offer but he is intrigued by them; especially their leader Emily. They know his intentions but don't attempt to prevent him from entering the building; indeed they invite him to come to their 'open day'. Here he learns the true nature of the group, how they fund themselves and the somewhat unconventional relationships between them. As the story progresses he is drawn into their world just as it is about to implode; their only protection is that people fear them; as soon as one person stands up to them their aura of menace has gone and they are suddenly vulnerable.
This isn't one of Stephen Poliakoff's best productions but it is still reasonably entertaining. The cast features plenty of well known actors; including Trevor Eve, Joely Richardson, Anna Friel and Jeremy Northam all of whom put in solid performances. The initial premise works well; the idea of a group acting like a cult but actually getting by selling high end Japanese electronics is rather fun but I couldn't buy the locals; they seemed almost feral, intimidating anybody from outside but steering clear of the group until a child confronts them. Before it was broadcast it was clear that the BBC weren't convinced they could sell it on the premise alone and aired trailers that strongly implied Anna Friel would get undressed; viewers who tuned in to see an attractive actress completely naked won't be disappointed but that really shouldn't a selling point for a good drama. As well as the nudity there is some swearing that some viewers might not like; although it is probably not the sort of programme that would appeal to people who might be offended. Overall I'd say it is worth watching if you are a fan of Stephan Poliakoff's other works; just don't expect too much.
This isn't one of Stephen Poliakoff's best productions but it is still reasonably entertaining. The cast features plenty of well known actors; including Trevor Eve, Joely Richardson, Anna Friel and Jeremy Northam all of whom put in solid performances. The initial premise works well; the idea of a group acting like a cult but actually getting by selling high end Japanese electronics is rather fun but I couldn't buy the locals; they seemed almost feral, intimidating anybody from outside but steering clear of the group until a child confronts them. Before it was broadcast it was clear that the BBC weren't convinced they could sell it on the premise alone and aired trailers that strongly implied Anna Friel would get undressed; viewers who tuned in to see an attractive actress completely naked won't be disappointed but that really shouldn't a selling point for a good drama. As well as the nudity there is some swearing that some viewers might not like; although it is probably not the sort of programme that would appeal to people who might be offended. Overall I'd say it is worth watching if you are a fan of Stephan Poliakoff's other works; just don't expect too much.